tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73001707205621296472024-03-08T04:29:22.813-08:00Daddy's Menusboston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-25873016060361473742010-04-06T08:25:00.000-07:002010-04-06T08:27:35.105-07:00April 5This blog will be on hiatus until I can finally settle down into damn predictable pattern of life. I will be busy renovating my home for the next 6-9 months.boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-2243212122945851632010-03-14T08:13:00.000-07:002010-03-14T08:35:42.179-07:00Mar 13 MenuLast week was a blur. I had dinner with some friends on Tuesday, leaving my wife and kids to fend for themselves. On Wednesday, I had to catch Avatar on IMAX 3D (before it moves to video). Again, the wife and kids were left to scrape the bottom of the barrel. Thursday, my wife had a sewing class after work, leaving us to figure out if we were ever going to be able to sit for dinner last week.<br /><br />This week is shaping up to be the same. My wife will take her turn to watch Avatar. She'll meet with her girlfriends on another evening. I may have to work late.<br /><br />This week will also have to be improvised. I offered my wife a boiled dinner for the menu this week, but she declined. So without any ideas, I ended up doing my taxes. So, another week with a blank menu - but my taxes are halfway there now.boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-32554336752896368202010-03-08T09:05:00.000-08:002010-03-08T09:07:01.582-08:00March 8 MenuSorry folks, we're going to take a hiatus this week. Will be back next week.boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-52100937487883478602010-02-26T05:40:00.000-08:002010-02-27T12:10:37.520-08:00Mar 1 Menu<div>My friends are always an inspiration. A couple of weeks ago, I perused a photo gallery of their daughter making pizza. It looked like a blast, and later I was told it was just fantastic family time. So, I've ordered a pizza stone, paddle, and wheel - then went to thinking. What else could we do with the pizza stone? And, what other recipes are there that could use the help of my almost 2 year old? Well, I tried my best to find some ideas but I would definitely like some more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Monday - Pizza</div><div><ul><li>We get our dough from the corner pizza bar.</li><li>Stretch dough, spread sauce, add cheese & toppings, put in oven - at least that's what I think I remember our pizza guy doing.</li><li>Note to self and wife - pizza stone must be gradually heated and cooled otherwise it will crack; also pizza stone must be washed with warm water ONLY, no soap.</li></ul>Tuesday - Pita Bread</div><div><ul><li>http://teafactory.wordpress.com/</li><li>I can't assure you that we will have time for this recipe unless I can find ready made pita dough - does it exist?</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday - Soft Tacos</div><div><ul><li>Here is the recipe of the tortilla - http://www.abreadaday.com/?p=339</li><li>For the filling, I usually go with ground beef and a packet of taco seasoning</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday - Leftover Day</div><div><ul><li>All that cooking of breads, we will eat the leftovers - with butter, my daughter's favorite.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Friday - Baked Bread</div><div><ul><li>You know we do take out, but I really want to have some fun with this thing.</li><li>http://www.thefreshloaf.com/lessons/yourfirstloaf</li><li>We'll do some pasta on the side.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Grocery List for me:</div><div><ul><li>Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - bell peppers, mushrooms, </li><li>Meats, Poultry, Fish - pepperoni, deli meat, ground beef</li><li>Dairy, Eggs - mozarella, ricotta</li><li>Dry & Cans - pizza sauce, clams, corn meal, basic yeast, vegetable shortening</li><li>Frozen - ice cream, ready made pita dough?, ready made other dough</li></ul></div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-39834221926075265832010-02-22T07:25:00.000-08:002010-02-22T07:38:28.843-08:00Feb 22 MenuWe had a great weekend with a visit from our NYC friends who brought their 7 month old son up for a playdate. Luckily the weather cooperated and we all had a great time. We also had a lunch date with fellow Cantabrigians and their daughter. It's amazing how well our daughter eats with her friends around - but as soon as they leave, she goes on a hunger stike.<br /><br />Well, this week, the menu is again, sadly, less than inspiring. Here it goes (and sorry for the late pin-up, it's pretty much useless now, so no grocery list this week):<br /><br />Monday - Beef and Vegetables (asparagus and carrots)<br /><ul><li>This is pretty much a stir fry menu served with rice.</li></ul><p>Tuesday - Kale Sausage Mushroom Stew</p><ul><li><a href="http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/recipe-of-the-day-kale-sausage-and-mushroom-stew/">http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/recipe-of-the-day-kale-sausage-and-mushroom-stew/</a></li><li>let's try this again.</li></ul><p>Wednesday - Lo-mein</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1639,158181-230193,00.html">http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1639,158181-230193,00.html</a><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lo-Mein-with-Beef-104617"></a></li><li>the ubiquitous lo-mein and yet this is our first time trying to cook it</li><li>please, chinese friends, do not look down on us</li></ul><p>Thursday - Steamed Clams and Pasta</p><ul><li>this is a trader's joe set-up - they have packaged clams in garlic sauce</li><li>you only add the noodles</li></ul><p>Friday - Leftovers</p><ul><li>I can only hope there aren't any leftovers and we can go out for pizza.</li><li>Am I the only person who thinks half a pie of pizza is an adequate dinner?</li></ul><p>For those observant followers, you're probably wondering, "what the heck happened to the low calorie nutrient dense diet?" Well, like all fads, it went out with the old as soon as I realized that the only way I would be able to get any of the recipes would be by buying books or memberships to weird alternative life-style websites that dispense vitamins, etc.</p>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-15485054658056952712010-02-15T14:03:00.001-08:002010-02-15T14:18:56.025-08:00Feb 15 MenuSorry, folks. Yes, it is President's day weekend and Valentine's day. We've been given a three day weekend, so of course, being who I am, I procrastinated. And last week was not a stellar menu week. We had left overs from hosting visitors over the weekend. Then we had snowstorm alert which made us go for take-out. I know, I know, excuses - for we will repeat last week's menu, except for the caesar wrap and pasta. We ended up doing the two. The wrap was great, especially the pumpkin seeds. The pasta, well, we ate it.<br /><br />Tuesday - More Leftovers<br /><ul><li>Yes, again, we had people over for the three day weekend, amassing more leftovers.</li></ul><p>Wednesday - Kale Sausage Mushroom Stew</p><ul><li><a href="http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/recipe-of-the-day-kale-sausage-and-mushroom-stew/">http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/recipe-of-the-day-kale-sausage-and-mushroom-stew/</a></li></ul><p>Thursday - Asparagus Shrimp Risotto</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.asparagusrecipes.net/asparagus-and-shrimp-risotto.html">http://www.asparagusrecipes.net/asparagus-and-shrimp-risotto.html</a></li></ul><p>Friday - Bon Chon</p><ul><li>Definitely! Our west coast friends had their KFC run last weekend. So we shall reciprocate.</li></ul><p>Shopping List for me:</p><ul><li>Abbreviated this week: asparagus, kale, risotto</li></ul>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-46854188147026800622010-02-05T00:30:00.000-08:002010-02-04T21:30:48.886-08:00Feb 8 MenuIt's more difficult than I imagined to get back into the swing. Just a week ago I was watching PBS with my good Japanese friend (yeah, it was a bender of a friday night) and came upon Roy Walford and the low calorie nutrient dense way of life. Unfortunately, he was aiming for over 90 years but his life ended prematurely at 79 as a result of Alzheimers. But, I'm still convinced he was onto something - because it turns out my daughter's meals are practically all low calorie and nutrient dense and she's skinny but healthy overall. So, going forward, in general I will attempt to be "low calorie nutrient dense" conscious as well. And it turns out, my prior obsession with superfoods, dovetails with Roy Walford's high nutrient lifestyle.<br /><br />At any rate, here's the menu for the week:<br /><br />Monday - Pasta Alfredo Primavera<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Can you believe this? I guess all those vegetables balance out all that cream.</li><li><a href="http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/539325-Pasta-Alfredo-Primavera">www.tastebook.com/recipes/539325-Pasta-Alfredo-Primavera</a></li><li>I'm sure better recipes abound, but this one sounds so much easier.</li><li>Oh, and remember to make extra for tomorrow's side and put beans in water. In the morning, but the beans in the slow cooker. OR, just get canned beans.</li></ul><p>Tuesday - Chicken Caesar Wraps</p><ul><li>Let's add some navy beans, go with lite dressing, and tomato basil tortilla.</li><li><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/40-a-day/caesar-chicken-wrap-recipe/index.html">www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/40-a-day/caesar-chicken-wrap-recipe/index.html</a></li><li>This recipe even has pumpkin seeds.</li></ul><p>Wednesday - Kale Sausage Mushroom Stew</p><ul><li>Here's a Bittman beauty.</li><li><a href="http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/recipe-of-the-day-kale-sausage-and-mushroom-stew/">http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/recipe-of-the-day-kale-sausage-and-mushroom-stew/</a></li><li>What to do for sides? Cous-cous?</li></ul><p>Thursday - Asparagus & Shrimp Risotto</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.asparagusrecipes.net/asparagus-and-shrimp-risotto.html">www.asparagusrecipes.net/asparagus-and-shrimp-risotto.html</a></li><li>And if we get leftovers from the prior days, this could dinner may really come together.</li></ul><p>Friday - Thai Take Out</p><ul><li>Inkling for Roddee, but knowing our friends in Cambridge go on Sundays, we may have to opt for pizza and be a little patient.</li></ul>Shopping List for me:<br /><ul><li>Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - broccoli, cauliflower, salad greens, red bell peppers, kale, mushrooms, asparagus, shallot, parsley</li><li>Meat, Poultry, Fish - chicken tenderloins, italian sausage, shrimp</li><li>Dairy, Juice - cream cheese, feta, milk, yogurt</li><li>Breads, Grains - tomato basil tortillas, risotto rice</li><li>Canned - black beans, navy beans, chicken stock</li><li>Misc - caesar dressing, pumpkin seeds</li></ul><p>Shopping List addtl:</p><ul><li>Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs </li><li>Meat, Poultry, Fish</li><li>Grains - Cous-cous</li><li>Dairy, Juice - parmesan cheese</li><li>Misc - white wine</li></ul>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-17199385578892977362010-01-30T21:08:00.000-08:002010-01-30T21:52:36.923-08:00Feb 1 MenuIt's a lot more difficult than I thought to get back into the swing of the menu again - I've been spoiled with my in-laws in town for the past two months. On top of that, our move to Belmont has required some commuting adjustments between my wife and I - resulting in her beating me home sometimes - which means she gets to yield the chef's knife. So, we're settling into a nice rhythm and the menu will reflect both her and my tastes.<br /><br />Monday - Fish Teriyaki Over Rice<br /><br /><ul><li>Pan fry some fish filets (can be lightly coated with salted flour).</li><li>Add teriyaki sauce either while in pan, or heated and drizzled over fish (I prefer it in the pan) <a href="http://offthebroiler.wordpress.com/2006/04/29/we-dont-need-no-stinking-bottled-teriyaki-sauce/">http://offthebroiler.wordpress.com/2006/04/29/we-dont-need-no-stinking-bottled-teriyaki-sauce/</a></li><li>Serve over rice. </li></ul><p>Tuesday - Gyudon<br /></p><ul><li>Start out with dashi <a href="http://japanesefood.about.com/od/soup/a/aboutdaashisoup.htm">http://japanesefood.about.com/od/soup/a/aboutdaashisoup.htm</a>.</li><li>Now proceed to putting together the gyudon <a href="http://japaneserecipe.blogspot.com/2006/05/beef-bowl.htm">http://japaneserecipe.blogspot.com/2006/05/beef-bowl.htm</a></li><li>I'm keeping this short because by now you know we make this one often. </li></ul><p>Wednesday - Tobiko Bibimbap<br /></p><ul><li>Dice spinach, mix with rice, add tobiko.</li><li>Drizzle sauce - put onion, carrots, apple, soy sauce, and olive oil in a blender and puree.</li><li>Garnish with fried egg.</li></ul><p>Thursday - Pasta and Clams<br /></p><ul><li>There really is no recipe for this. You take Trader Joe's Garlic Clams and put it over some pasta - we like linguine and fettucine.</li><li>Add some salad with beans.</li></ul><p>Friday - Take Out<br /></p><ul><li>Pizza? Bon Chon? Roddee? The options are almost endless because we don't have gogi tacos!</li></ul>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-84358896129498835872010-01-22T09:38:00.000-08:002010-01-23T18:29:15.165-08:00Jan 25 MenuHappy new year and belated it is!!! Already almost three months have gone by since we've bought our home, renovated it, and moved in and yet - we still have boxes. Woe is us, the den/guestroom looks like it will perpetually be the storage room. What we really need are visitors that will spur us into action to buy furniture, etc. All that aside, it has been great to see our daughter run around in the new house. And there's nothing better than shoveling snow every weekend. To top it all off, I am now sitting here ready to resume our weekly menus.<br /><br /><br />For those that are new to this blog, I look to create a weekly menu (usually Monday through Thursday with Friday being an "eating out/ take out" day) for my wife and now 21 month old daughter. I scour the webpages for what I hope are easy recipes that even I could do. I rely on many friends to help me find recipes to put on my weekly menu. I usually post the menus for the week on the Friday or Saturday before the week, complete with a grocery list, so we can do our weekly Sunday shopping.<br /><br /><br />So without much further ado, the list for the week is as follows.<br /><br /><br />Monday - Japanese Chicken Curry<br /><ul><li>The old standby which should usually be done at the end of the week with whatever vegetables are left, but we have a chicken in the fridge that needs cooking.</li><li>Use japanese curry cubes and don't be shy with the vegetables (at least carrots, potatoes, one celery stick). Directions on the box are simple and more than adequate. If you want to get fancy, throw in some fresh apple sauce.</li><li>Serve with rice and kimchi.</li></ul><br />Tuesday - Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Fettucine<br /><ul><li><a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/creamy_shrimp_and_broccoli_fettuccine/">http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/creamy_shrimp_and_broccoli_fettuccine/</a></li><li>My daughter is asking for more variety in her diet. Can't give her the same meal back to back as much these days. The creamy flavor here should be a nice follow up to the more spicy curry.</li><li>Serve with salad and garlic bread.</li></ul><br />Wednesday - Winter Vegetable Soup<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.familyoven.com/offsite?r_id=155594&u=http://www.recipezaar.com/98802">http://www.familyoven.com/offsite?r_id=155594&u=http://www.recipezaar.com/98802</a><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cooking-live/winter-vegetable-stew-recipe/index.html"></a></li><li>Nice on a chilly evening.</li></ul><br />Thursday - Shepherd's Pie<br /><ul><li>My wife has been craving for this since last week - time to deliver.</li><li><a href="http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2010/01/shepherds-pie.html">http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2010/01/shepherds-pie.html</a></li></ul><br />Friday - Whiskey Night!!!<br /><ul><li>The girls may be on their own this night, because the man may have to conquer some scotch and whiskey.</li></ul>Shopping List for Me:<br /><ul><li>Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - potatoes, celery, broccoli, garlic, salad greens, leeks, red and white onions, tomatoes, butternut squash, rutabaga, turnips, parsley</li><li>Meats, Poultry, Fish - 2 lb ground beef, 1 lb beef bones and beef chuck, shrimp</li><li>Dairy - heavy cream, 6 lb cheese</li><li>Pasta - fettucine</li><li>Frozen - green peas, corn</li><li>Misc - lima beans</li></ul>Shopping List Addtl:<br /><ul><li>Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - carrots</li><li>Frozen - green</li><li>Misc - beef stock, white wine, worcestershire sauce</li></ul>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-62370347274636811152009-10-19T05:30:00.000-07:002009-10-19T05:32:03.909-07:00Oct 19 MenuI will have to take a brief pause from menu writing until after the closing of our new house - Oct. 31. So, please check back sometime in mid-November.<br /><br />I am sorry to all my fans. I know you're out there. Don't try to deny it.boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-50297122479105474382009-10-11T18:57:00.001-07:002009-10-11T19:10:47.186-07:00Oct 12 MenuOn Sunday, I had the bitter-sweet opportunity to have dinner at our friends who will soon be moving to Los Angeles. Bitter because they're moving to Los Angeles. Sweet because we had some great braised chicken, broiled acorn squash, and steamed artichokes. The chicken was pot braised with thin slices of ginger and a hoisin like sauce, which I didn't ask but will next time. The acorn squash was put in a bath of water until tender and then baked high with butter and brown sugar, making a nice crystalline crust. The artichoke was simply cut, steamed, and delicious.<div><br /></div><div>Well, this week, I have to continue relying on some impromptu cooking as I continue to trudge through the purchase of our home. We finally did arrive at a P&S and now the going really gets going. We need to budget, budget, and budget, and the banks don't want to have any fun in this. They are as straight laced as they come and in fact BofA reneged on their offer to me regarding an FHA program. A program that promised all the goods but a program that couldn't deliver a closing date. What good is a program that can't deliver on the closing date? So I am in a scrambling mode, trying my best to piece together the pieces so that I can find a lender.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, we have some oxtail brewing in the slow cooker, so you can bet that is tomorrow's dinner. On Tuesday, I'll take advantage of the local farmer's market and bring home some hearty vegetables, ala our friend's dinner this Sunday. We'll also be having some fried fish and korean side dishes, as that is in our fridge. And of course, I have thinly sliced beef for the favorite gyu-don.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and going forward, I'll be bringing lunch to work now, to save money for this house.</div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-35655174955918334652009-10-03T18:02:00.001-07:002009-10-03T18:38:58.088-07:00Oct 5 MenuAre we buying or not? That is the question that has been putitng me into knots for the past week. Our offer to purchase a 2 family in belmont was accepted about two weeks ago and still I don't have a signed P&S. The sellers have been less than straightforward is all I can say and they are lucky we're still around. I'm practically bending over backwards for them. If we don't get anywhere soon, I'm going to have to part ways and search for another - it's ridiculous that at this point in the negotiation, the Seller is not laying down their cards and calling a spade a spade.<br /><br />So all of the above, of course, is another excuse for not having a menu for another week. It is tough, I tell you, to juggle a daughter, work, and house buying. And then on the weekends, we're trying to spend as much of it as possible with our friends who, much to our dismay, will be leaving for the sunny shores of southern Los Angeles. I think I'm still in denial.<br /><br />And to top it all off, we went to HMart again this week. That means a lot of stuff was bought, much of which only my wife knows what to do with. HMart was packed, even on a Saturday night. But it seems the taste testers were not out and the grand opening sales have fallen off a bit. The food court vendors still had ridiculously long lines - for $15 short rib plates. A bit too steep for my taste.<br /><br />What will this week bring? Lots of gyu-don, oden (fish cake) noodle soup, oxtail soup (not sick of it yet), and perhaps a pasta dish with the mushroom and beef.boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-22032463078483540112009-09-28T08:22:00.000-07:002009-09-28T08:27:09.344-07:00Sept 28 MenuThe korean supermarket chain, HMart, opened this Friday. Highly anticpated by us, and probably the rest of the korean community, we were not disappointed. As expected, the aisles were packed, not only with shoppers, but demonstration tables, and ridiculously low prices on many items. Live lobsters were $5 a lb, huh? I don't think these prices will stick around for much longer, but I'm sure they'll remain competitive. The HMart is up in Burlington, where the Middlesex turnpike meets US-95 - <a href="http://maps.google.com/?q=9+Old+Concord+Rd+Burlington,+MA+01803&ie=UTF8&ll=42.473537,-71.20928&spn=0.008024,0.014248&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A">http://maps.google.com/?q=9+Old+Concord+Rd+Burlington,+MA+01803&ie=UTF8&ll=42.473537,-71.20928&spn=0.008024,0.014248&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A</a>.<br /><br />Anyways, you can imagine, we went without a menu and then bought tons of food. So this week, my wife and I will try to do an impromptu so that I can focus on finding a recipe for this coming weekend's apple bake-off challenge.<br /><br />But if you want to know, we're having ox-tail soup again and I'll try to do the bak haddock from last week.boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-41688851439858070732009-09-19T05:59:00.000-07:002009-09-20T20:42:02.501-07:00Sept 21 Menu<div>These past few weeks have been frantic, at best. Mother visiting from Vegas really knocked me off the wagon. The sore neck, which turns out to be a pinched nerve. Tomorrow is my daughter's baptism. And I have this huge monkey on my back to buy a house. Oh my! So I've been late with the postings and I apologize.</div><br /><div> </div><div>At any rate, this week we'll have to resort to the real fast and easy menus since I suspect my time will be very limited.</div><br /><div>Monday - Oxtail Soup</div><div><ul><li>Before mad cow, I was a nut for this soup. Now, I'm dipping my toe back in the water since I haven't heard anything of late regarding mad cow. No, everything's about H1N1.</li><li>Very easy, rinse ox tail, drain and boil in new water; add garlic, onions, salt, green onions. It is a clear broth korean recipe. Serve with kimchee and rice.</li></ul></div><div>Tuesday - Oxtail Soup</div><div><ul><li>Rinse and repeat. Just kidding, usually when I make this soup, it goes for a day or two, like curry.</li></ul></div><div>Wednesday - Eggplant, Prawns, Soy sauce</div><div><ul><li>This recipe comes from www.seasaltwithfood.com via www.tastespotting.com via a good friend of mine who I talk to about recipes all the time. Thanks!</li><li><a href="http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2009/08/roasted-eggplant-with-prawns-and-soy.html">http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2009/08/roasted-eggplant-with-prawns-and-soy.html</a></li><li>Oh, and I may try substituting the prawns with baby octopus because that is what's in the fridge; sub the thai chili with red bell pepper for my daughter.</li><li>Serve with rice.</li></ul></div><div>Thursday - Baked Haddock</div><ul><li>This recipe is from www.feedmedelicious.com via tastespotting via my friend who shares this weekly dilemma of what to cook. Thanks!</li><li><a href="http://www.feedmedelicious.com/recipes/baked-haddock.html">http://www.feedmedelicious.com/recipes/baked-haddock.html</a></li><li>I think I have some seasoned bread crumbs to replace the Ritz.</li><li>I'll try making mash potatoes nice and easy - boiled potatoes, add some garlic, salt, olive oil.</li><li><a href="http://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipe.asp?recipeids=3430&iSeason=8">http://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipe.asp?recipeids=3430&iSeason=8</a></li></ul><div> </div><div>Friday - Sushi?</div><ul><li>I think I'm only supposed to have one serving a month, right? Because of mercury levels.</li><li>Oh well, I have a craving.</li></ul>Shopping List for me:<div><ul><li>Meats, Poultry, Fish - ox tail, prawns, haddock fillets</li><li>Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - eggplant, thai chili, shallots</li><li>Other - Ritz crackers</li></ul><div>Shopping List Addtl:</div><div><ul><li>Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - potatoes</li><li>Other - Ritz crackers</li></ul></div><div> </div></div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-28130928482564295662009-09-13T22:59:00.000-07:002009-09-13T23:12:04.957-07:00Sept 14 MenuAfter a week full of home-made mother's korean cooking, you just don't feel like you're doing anything right in the kitchen. At any rate, I got a late start on posting the menu since mother left Sunday morning and the rest of the day was spent trying to figure out if we will ever move out of this small apartment. And for this week, mother left several tupperware worth of korean food, mostly for our daughter, but more than good enough for us. Our daughter doesn't eat much anyways. So, this week's menu will be really specific to our present circumstances with all the korean food in the refrigerator.<div><br /></div><div>Monday & Tuesday - Japanese Curry Rice</div><div><ul><li>Round up some chicken or beef, add diced vegetables like carrots, squash, bell peppers, even celery, add some water to boil, add curry cubes, let simmer.</li><li>Don't forget to cook up rice.</li><li>Mother's korean food.</li></ul><div>Wednesday - Miso Soup, Rice</div><div><ul><li>Boil water, add diced tofu, add some vegetables like sprouts and spinach, add miso paste, let simmer.</li><li>Don't forget to cook up more rice.</li><li>Mother's korean food redux.</li></ul><div>Thursday - Bibimbap</div><div><ul><li>Cook up rice and let cool.</li><li>Take all of Mother's korean food and mix.</li><li>Serve with kimchee.</li></ul><div>Friday - Sushi</div><div><ul><li>Yes, another favorite. I frequent a place called Hana Sushi on Mass Ave right after Porter Square.</li><li>Good service, good sushi, low key.</li></ul></div></div></div></div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-68813801727657710182009-08-30T15:52:00.000-07:002009-08-30T15:53:42.456-07:00August 31 MenuActually, no menu. My neck and back has now been in a state of pain for five weeks now. I will take a respite from cooking. We did buy "stuff" and I'll let you know what comes of it. Other than that, I will see you in two weeks since my mother will be visiting next week and every time she does, the kitchen becomes hers. I think it's a mother thing.boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-32569001565165080212009-08-23T06:42:00.000-07:002009-08-23T07:09:09.508-07:00August 24 MenuThis will be another week of improvisation. Last week we randomly searched the store. This week, we will attempt to clean out the freezer. So, hopefully these dishes will lend themselves from taking frozen food to the dinner table in "30 minutes." Just kidding, just thawing the sucker will be require some time.<div><br /></div><div>Monday - Sausage, Kale, and Beans</div><div><ul><li>When I was first introduced to this dish, I guess I went overboard with the sausages. So, I have frozen that my wife wants out.</li><li>The recipe, again, is easy as can be. Gut an italian sausage, add some garlic and olive oil, stir fry til the meat is done, then add the beans and kale for additional cooking.</li></ul><div>Tuesday - Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya</div><div><ul><li>I'll be having some guests over, so hopefully this recipe will help end their day on a good note.</li><li><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1041904">http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1041904</a></li></ul></div><div>Wednesday - Dashi, Fish Cake, and Soba</div><div><ul><li>Every korean families' freezer is bound to have some fish cake in the freezer, also known as oden. Please folks, these things do not last forever.</li><li>Prepare some dashi, add in the fish cake, add in some vegetables, cook up some noodles (soba, udon).</li><li>Break out that side of kimchi - another thing that in my taste lasts just shy of forever.</li></ul><div>Thursday - Pesto Pasta</div><div><ul><li>This serves two purposes, to harvest our little window basil plant and to use up some dried noodles.</li><li><a href="http://elise.com/recipes/archives/001329fresh_basil_pesto.php">http://elise.com/recipes/archives/001329fresh_basil_pesto.php</a></li></ul><div>Friday</div><div><ul><li>Thai food take out - we love this place called Roddee in Brookline. We're also partial to Sweet Ginger in Union Square because it's close to one of our friends/playdate buddy's house. Their moving in about a month to a foreign country called Orange County, so we should probably visit Sweet Ginger as much as possible.</li></ul></div><div>Shopping List for me:</div><div><ul><li>Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - fresh seasonal fruits, onions, bell peppers, kale</li><li>Fish, Poultry, Meat - shrimp</li></ul></div></div></div></div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-48831071750354218452009-08-16T21:03:00.000-07:002009-08-23T06:41:51.852-07:00August 17 MenuAlas, I neglected to mention that this week we are going sans menu. My wife and I thought it would be fun, and a good summer respite, to just drop into our neighborhood grocers and pick out things at random. We ended up with a box of mangos, jicama, corn, chicken, various greens, cilantro, and yogurt. We've also been busy trying to find a house, so I've been spending countless hours in the evenings and weekends to find one. And my 16 month old daughter is taking all the car trips in stride, although we coax her with a box of raisins every now and then.<div><br /></div><div>Monday and Tuesday - My wife conjured up a stir-fried rice dish with some peculiar looking mushrooms. She also used a mandolin to make a sumptuous mango jicama salad with cilantro and olive oil. Taste was fantastic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday - I sliced up the chicken and used the leftover mangos for a mango chicken thai dish, <a href="http://thaifood.about.com/od/thairecipes/r/mangochicken.htm">http://thaifood.about.com/od/thairecipes/r/mangochicken.htm</a> based on this recipe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday - we switched Friday night take-out to Thursday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday - I came home to a fantastic soba noodle and fish cake stew brewed in a just right dashi.</div><div><br /></div><div>I could get used to a week like this, especially the way my neck and back is going - four weeks now, no?</div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-58252755553966888202009-08-09T06:08:00.000-07:002009-08-10T10:18:27.038-07:00August 10 MenuWe had a wonderful beach day that started with a hefty lunch at the Village in Essex with good friends. Fried clams, lobster rolls, clam chowdas, broiled fish, etc. The day almost had me forget about my stiff neck, which has been plaguing me for two weeks straight now. I'll be going to the doctors just to be safe it isn't Lyme disease. In the meantime, I'm going to have to revisit some favorites since it pains me to sit in my typing position.<br /><br />Monday - Broiled Fish<br /><ul><li>Nice and easy - salt, olive oil, maybe lemon.</li><li>Rice and some edamem beans and vegetables.</li><li>Save the left over fish for Wednesday's fried rice dish.</li></ul>Tuesday - Gyudon<br /><ul><li>Sydney's favorite - <a href="http://japaneserecipe.blogspot.com/2006/05/beef-bowl.html">http://japaneserecipe.blogspot.com/2006/05/beef-bowl.html</a></li><li>Make sure to have rice on hand.</li><li>Save the beef for tomorrow's fried rice.</li></ul>Wednesday - Fried Rice and Greens<br /><ul><li>If you have left over rice, fish, and beef, it'll be perfect (substitute the spam in the recipe with your leftovers). Have the rice at room temperature to make this dish work.</li><li><a href="http://korean-cuisine.blogspot.com/2008/10/bokeum-bap-fried-rice.html">http://korean-cuisine.blogspot.com/2008/10/bokeum-bap-fried-rice.html</a></li><li>Separately, take greens, add chopped garlic, some oyster sauce, little salt and pepper, and call it a day.</li></ul>Thursday - Sausage, Kale, Beans<br /><ul><li>Serve with rice or pasta.</li><li>I've done this dish with sweet and hot italian sausage and I prefer the hots.</li><li>Remove casings and put sausage into pan. Add garlic and olive oil. Add beans once sausage is cooked through. Add kale to cook.</li></ul>Friday - Takeout!<br /><br /><ul><li>Finally, something different, right? Maybe some good thai food.</li></ul><p>Shopping List for me:</p><ul><li>Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - carrots, brocolli, kale</li><li>Meats, Poultry, Fish - whole fish, sukiyaki sliced beef, hot italian sausage</li><li>Dairy, Eggs, Cheese - eggs, milk</li><li>Frozen - edamame, peas, corn</li><li>Other - protein powder</li></ul><p>Shopping List Addtl:</p><ul><li>Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - ginger</li><li>Grains, Beans, Canned - white beans</li><li>Specialty - hondashi</li></ul>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-9000535886745718012009-07-30T20:37:00.000-07:002009-08-10T10:19:03.742-07:00August 3 MenuLast week was hot, weather wise. But what really bothers me about Boston summers, unlike my fond memories of Las Vegas summers in high school, is that it is humid. Then imagine an apartment with no central a/c and hopefully you can sympathize with us and understand why we didn't get around to cooking up last week's braised monk fish, nor the soft tofu stew, or the fried rice. Frankly, we resorted to spinning the chicken soup into several days and added a pasta dish to break up the monotony. This got me thinking that this coming week, we should look for recipes that don't require turning on the oven. Here's a few, and if the weather keeps at it this way, you'll see more each week.<br /><br />Monday - Ceviche Tacos<br /><ul><li>You just got to love fish - it's versatility just amazes me. It's ease of preparation just makes you smile. The flavor - well, distinctive, if not delicious for some people. I'm convinced that people who don't like fish grew up without ever trying good fish.</li><li><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mexican-Ceviche-Tacos-354303">http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mexican-Ceviche-Tacos-354303</a></li><li>A lot of great fresh vegetables and citrus flavor just for the summer.</li><li>I might put the jalapenos on hold.</li><li>Pair with a fresh fruit salad?</li><li>Oh, and this is my gazpacho substitute.</li></ul>Tuesday - Ham, Manchego, Fig Tartine and Avocado Soup<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Ham-Manchego-and-Fig-Tartines-243612">http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Ham-Manchego-and-Fig-Tartines-243612</a></li><li><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/chilled-avocado-soup?backto=true">http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/chilled-avocado-soup?backto=true</a></li><li>Seems easy enough, I just wonder if it's really going to be dinner.</li><li>And I almost feel like I should serve some wheat grass juice shots.</li></ul>Wednesday - Navy Bean Nicoise<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/navy-bean-nicoise?backto=true">http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/navy-bean-nicoise?backto=true</a></li><li>You knew there was going to be a salad dinner, right? Well, good thing is our daughter loves beans.</li><li>You may be able to save a little time and ingredients if you pick up a bottled dressing.</li><li>Does boiling eggs count?</li></ul>Thursday - Pesto Pasta<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Three-Basil-Pesto-242861">http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Three-Basil-Pesto-242861</a></li><li>I've included a pesto recipe, but really, just buy one from a reputable specialty store.</li><li>Does boiling pasta count? While your at it, why not steam up or add some shrimp to the boiling water.</li></ul>Friday - Pizza!<br /><ul><li>Finally my wife did something that measures up to my goofball passport debacle.</li><li>So, we'll call it even and celebrate with pizza. Maybe even bon chon next week.</li></ul>Shopping List for me:<br /><ul><li>Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - tomatoes (5), red onions (2), romaine lettuce, avocado (4), cilantro, fresh seasonal fruits, dill, lemon</li><li>Meat, Chicken, Fish - sushi grade fish, prosciutto</li><li>Milk, Dairy, Tofu, Eggs - butter, manchego, buttermilk</li><li>Grains, Breads - baguette</li><li>Frozen, Canned - green beans, navy beans, pesto</li><li>Other - lime juice, lemon juice, canned jalapenos, taco shells, salsa, dressing</li></ul>Shopping List Addtl:<br /><ul><li>Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - potatoes, baby spinach, parsley, basil</li><li>Meat, Chicken, Fish - shrimp (optional)</li><li>Milk, Dairy, Tofu, Eggs - eggs</li></ul><p><span style="color:#ff0000;">Notes of the week:<br />1. Salmon Ceviche couldn't be better. I wouldn't change or modify any part of that recipe.<br />2. The avocado soup was good, but for those less adventurous folk, you'll constantly wonder if you're having soup or guacamole.</span></p>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-45189651214849479102009-07-26T10:05:00.000-07:002009-07-26T10:46:03.126-07:00July 27 MenuDue to an unforeseen and very much unfortunate set of circumstances, we did not go to London last week. And I riase my hand solely in a "mea culpa" and hope my daughter will be able to forgive me when she gets old enough to realize what she missed out on. And of course, my wife has forgiven me, or rather, has extended to me a bargain that I couldn't refuse - ten years of servitude, to put it bluntly. So this week's menu is going to be all korean, and this may be a regular thing, as that is her favorite menu of choice.<br /><br />On a side note, if you are bemused by this little blog, I would suggest another that I have started: <a href="http://www.hybridskeptic.blogspot.com/">www.hybridskeptic.blogspot.com</a>. This blog is a result of a contest that Lexus is running, the winner of which will be able to test drive their new hybrid for a year. When we first bought our car, an RX350, we quickly dismissed the hybrid version because of the fact that the cost clearly outweighed the slight environmental benefits. Lexus promises this version to be different, and I'm willing to take them up on on their promise and see if they really deliver - on all fronts. So, if you believe in what I'm proposing, please vote for me.<br /><br />Without further ado, here's this week menu (and I apologize that I'm posting this on Sunday, probably well after everyone's done their grocery shopping for the week). All dishes come with rice, I mean served with rice.<br /><br />Monday - Sam Gae Tang (Chicken Soup)<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/samgyetang">http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/samgyetang</a></li><li>I've had this menu on before. If you don't have the dates, feel free to use any dried fruits. I've used apricots once and it was fine. You can also leave it out. Hopefully, you'll have some leftover ginseng root from last time.</li><li>You can always opt to get the prepackaged sam gae tang herbs/ spices at the local korean grocer.</li></ul><p>Tuesday - Soft Spicy Tofu Stew</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/soondubu-jjigae">http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/soondubu-jjigae</a></li><li>Don't be afraid of "spicy." Like many things, it's in the eye of the beholder - just tone down the hot pepper flakes.</li><li>Also, this dish can be 100% vegetarian, as I have had it that way many times.</li></ul>Wednesday - Braised Monkfish<br /><ul><li><a href="http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/585171">http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/585171</a></li><li>The ingredients for this dish can be quite overwhelming. I say, don't sweat the small stuff. If you have the soy bean sprouts, you're all set.</li></ul><p>Thursday - Leftover Fried Rice</p><ul><li>So, after having cooked up Yang Chow Fried Rice, I've come to the realization that fried rice can really be an incredibly flexible dish. So, I'm proposing to take the left over monk fish to make fried rice.</li><li>Follow the Yang Chow Fried Rice recipe, but use monk fish instead of the salty fish. You can also skip the shrimp because the monk fish is going to bring a lot of salty/ spicy flavor.</li><li><a href="http://www.nibbledish.com/people/chaditz/recipes/yang-chow-fried-rice">http://www.nibbledish.com/people/chaditz/recipes/yang-chow-fried-rice</a></li></ul><p>Friday - Pizza?</p><ul><li>Probably only if I beg.</li></ul><p>Shopping List Addtl:</p><ul><li>Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs - summer fruits and vegetables, shitake mushrooms, soybean sprouts,</li><li>Meats, Poultry, Fish - whole chicken, monkfish</li><li>Dairy, Cheese, Egg, Tofu - tofu, eggs</li><li>Frozen - Peas</li><li>Specialty - dates, ginseng root, kelp</li></ul>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-26990111598745845062009-07-15T20:23:00.000-07:002009-07-15T20:38:28.554-07:00July 20 MenuWe'll be on vacation this week in London, returning Wednesday. In the mean time, I thought I could suggest the following website which I will crib from again in the near future. This is where I got my carne asada recipe a while back.<br /><div><br /><a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/">http://simplyrecipes.com/</a><br /><br />Have a great week, friends.</div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-13465059302824821082009-07-11T20:08:00.000-07:002009-07-11T20:31:54.063-07:00July 13 MenuWe will be off to London on Friday, making this an abbreviated week and one without my wife, who's traveling on business. Hence, to serve this predicament, my friends helped me come up with a theme that I think later on should be revisted to consider more recipes. The theme of the week will be recipes that taste better on the second day. Two popped up immediately. First, my friend offered her own recipe of sweet italian sausages, kale, and white beans. The second is japanese curry. And that's all there is too it. I'll be serving rice with each meal, which is great for my daughter because these days her favorite is seaweed wrapped rice - virgin sushi.<div><br /></div><div>Monday - Sausage, Kale, White Beans</div><div><ul><li>Remove casings for sweet italian sausages into pan of chopped garlic clove and olive oil. Once cooked, add kale and rinsed white beans (canned). Salt & pepper to taste.</li><li>Serve with rice or some pasta.</li><li>Of course, this is probably not the first recipe that comes to people's minds, but my wife had already bought a couple of pounds of sweet italian because they were on sale at WholeFoods.</li></ul></div><div>Tuesday - Cold Sausage, Kale, White Beans</div><div><ul><li>Unpack into a plate of greens if desired.</li><li>Side of warm rice is nice too.</li></ul></div><div>Wednesday - Japanese Curry</div><div><ul><li>We've had this one on before and this menu really does get better on the second day.</li><li>Gather up a meat, some potatoes, carrots, onions, and of course, the box of japanese curry. Following the box directions is all you need. Some also add hand made apple sauce for additional texture and flavor.</li><li>If possible, use up the burdock root and make some miso soup, again this will be better tomorrow too.</li></ul></div><div>Thursday - Japanese Curry v. 02</div><div><ul><li>Just reheat, nothing special necessary.</li><li>I forgot to mention kimchi, that tastes better on the second day too. Actually, waiting a year makes it vintage.</li></ul></div><div>Friday - Off to London</div><div><ul><li>A 16 month old on a five hour flight, with only one seat to share between us. Many have already forewarned us that we will regret the one seat. Ah well.</li><li>She's been an angel so far in the all the flights we've taken her on. I think this is where the lucky streak comes to an end.</li><li>Pray for us!</li></ul></div><div>Shopping list for me:</div><div><ul><li>Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - kale, zucchini, carrots, corn, seasonal fruits</li><li>Canned, Bakery - canned white beans</li></ul><div>Shopping list addtl:</div><div><ul><li>Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - potatoes</li><li>Specialty - japanese curry cubes</li></ul></div></div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-4628766072187273462009-06-20T20:51:00.000-07:002009-07-11T20:08:33.073-07:00July 6 Menu<div>Many apologies for the delay. We had a packed Independence Day weekend, so I didn't quite find time to post.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week, it's chicken, chicken, chicken. I believe I had mentioned that I had a good friend who loves chicken. So, in his honor, we're going to try having chicken this whole week. Of course, we'll have to ease into it. Also, my friend's favorite is fried chicken, but without a deep fryer, I'll have to resort to a chicken bake, sorry. But I assure you, it's good.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Monday - Chicken Katsu</div><div><div><ul><li>Hope many of you remember this one from Japanese week. My wife loves it. So here it goes again. And, I use chicken tenderlions, so I don't really tenderize or cut it into strips.</li><li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Ashleys-Chicken-Katsu-with-Tonkatsu-Sauce/Detail.aspx">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Ashleys-Chicken-Katsu-with-Tonkatsu-Sauce/Detail.aspx</a></li><li>I found the following katsu sauce to be pretty good.</li><li><a href="http://1tess.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/tonkatsu-sauce/">http://1tess.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/tonkatsu-sauce/</a></li><li>Don't forget the rice. If you have leftovers, use it for tomorrow's salad.</li></ul></div></div></div><div>Tuesday - Chicken Caesar Salad</div><div><ul><li>Since when does an epicurious recipe call for bottled dressing! I say, "nice and easy."</li><li><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Grilled-Chicken-Caesar-Salad-711">http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Grilled-Chicken-Caesar-Salad-711</a></li><li>If you have leftovers from yesterday, make it into a crispy chicken caesar salad.</li><li>Fresh vegetables, like corn, would be great! Perhaps a nice helping of crushed potatoes.</li><li><a href="http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/mashed.htm">http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/mashed.htm</a></li></ul><div>Wednesday - Sam Gae Tang (Korean style chicken soup)</div><div><div><ul><li>I'll be using a regular old whole chicken instead of the cornish hens. It doesn't really change the dish that drastically - really.</li><li><a href="http://macs-foodkorea.blogspot.com/2008/06/sam-gae-tang.html">http://macs-foodkorea.blogspot.com/2008/06/sam-gae-tang.html</a></li><li>Everyone and their mother links to maangchi for korean dishes, myself included of course.</li></ul></div><div>Thursday - Oven Fried Chicken</div><div><ul><li>Without a deep fryer, this recipe from Ina Garten makes a batch of fried chicken that is equally delicious.</li><li><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/oven-fried-chicken-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/oven-fried-chicken-recipe/index.html</a></li><li>Our "chicken" friends will be over for a play date, so I'll look to add some chicken wings for the kids.</li><li>Maybe I'll also throw in some crushed potatoes (see Monday) and macorni too. This recipe is too complicated, so feel free to improvise at will. I'm sure others will resort to a mac & cheese casserole, fine with me.</li><li><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/mac-n-cheese-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/mac-n-cheese-recipe/index.html</a></li></ul></div><div>Friday - Pizza!</div><div><ul><li>Oh, how I crave for pizza from Pepe's in New Haven. I'm kicking myself for not having stopped by during my 10th reunion a month ago. Darn!</li></ul></div><div>Shopping List for me:</div><div><ul><li>Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - salad mix, fresh vegetables & fruits, potatoes</li><li>Meat, Poultry, Fish - chicken breasts (1 lb), pre-chopped chicken</li><li>Dairy, Juice - buttermilk</li><li>Grains, Pasta - macaroni</li><li>Breads - french baguette</li><li>Condiments - Casesar dressing, dijon mustard</li></ul></div><div>Shopping List Addtl:</div><div><ul><li>Meat, Poultry, Fish - chicken tenderloins, cornish hens (or whole chicken)</li><li>Dairy, Juice - shredded cheeses for macaroni</li><li>Grains, Pasta - sweet rice</li><li>Other, Specialty Grocery - ginseng root, chestnuts, red dates (or korean stores have a pre-packaged sam gae tang ingredients pack)</li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Notes of the week:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">1. It was great to have our friends over for the culminating menu of oven fried chicken. I also stirred up some bonchon style chicken sauce of ginger-garlic-soy-honey which came out better than expected. What didn't come out was my feeble attempt at a double fry method to mimic the bonchon. Already against me was that my chicken was skinless, so it kind of defeated the double fry purpose. Second, I didn't watch the temperature too well on the second fry - oops!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">2. Salad for dinner really leaves one craving for more.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">3. A week of chicken was less torturous than I thought it would be.</span></div></div></div></div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7300170720562129647.post-87810114171413945152009-06-16T10:20:00.001-07:002009-07-05T23:38:55.334-07:00June 29 MenuLast minute plans have us going away this weekend preceding the menu, so I've been forced to resort to a website a friend referred to me some time ago and which I linked to last week. This was going to be a chicken themed week for a good friend of ours that is known to be more than an aficionado of the fine feathered friend - fried, baked, steamed, broiled, etc. But I guess we'll do that next week and that'll be good since they're on vacation themselves and it wouldn't be the same if they didn't come over. So without much ado, this week we'll do pasta!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/20-easy-pasta-recipes-10000001156072/">http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/20-easy-pasta-recipes-10000001156072/</a><br /><br />I'm not a big fan of pasta dishes (especially as stand alone dinner dishes in themselves which my Italian friends would never "sit" for), but it defintely brings simplicity and taste together in every meal. Also, as I experienced when doing a japanese theme week many moons ago, being focused on a particular cuisine makes the most efficient use of resources. And most importantly, our daughter very much enjoyed the fettucine alfredo like we've never witnessed before.<br /><br />Like rice for asian cuisine, let's make sure there's a simple salad at every meal (or antipasta if you're really up to it).<br /><br />Monday - Penne, Salmon, Arugula, Chives<br /><br /><ul><li>By now, it should be fairly obvious, I like doing fish on Mondays. I know it's supposed to be on Fridays, but who can really store it that long?</li><li><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/penne-salmon-arugula-chives-10000000663083/">http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/penne-salmon-arugula-chives-10000000663083/</a></li></ul><p>Tuesday - Ravioli with Roasted Zucchini</p><ul><li>Like fish, fresh ravioli from the gourmet store makes all the difference. A gorgonzola filled ravioli sounds like a good accent, no?</li><li><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/ravioli-roasted-zucchini-10000001038766/">http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/ravioli-roasted-zucchini-10000001038766/</a></li></ul><p>Wednesday - Hot Italian Sausage and Pasta</p><ul><li>Mmmmmm, sausage. Can I suggest a more citrus flavored salad dressing?</li><li><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/hot-italian-sausage-tomato-pasta-10000001060279/">http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/hot-italian-sausage-tomato-pasta-10000001060279/</a></li></ul><p>Thursday - Last Minute Lasagna</p><ul><li>You knew one of these days I was going to resort to the frozen foods section. But does the spinach really have to be frozen? I'll let you know.</li><li><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/last-minute-lasagna-10000000610496/">http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/last-minute-lasagna-10000000610496/</a></li></ul><p>Friday - Definitely bon chon chicken.</p><ul><li>Although, my wife is finding more reasons to ban fried foods from the menu. This may be my last bon chon in a good while.</li><li>So long, bon chon. It is so oxymoronic, I can't let it go, can I?</li></ul><p>Shopping List for me: </p><ul><li>Pasta - penne, fettucine, fresh ravioli </li><li>Meat, Poultry, Seafood - salmon, hot italian sausage </li><li>Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - arugula, chives, spinach, basil, mixed-greens, red onion, yellow cherry tomatoes, zucchini, flat leaf parsley, lemon, fresh seasonal fruit </li><li>Dairy, Juice, Eggs - Shredded mozarella, eggs, </li><li>Grains, Breads - pine nuts </li><li>Frozen Foods - cheese ravioli</li></ul><p>Shopping List Addtl: </p><ul><li>Dairy, Juice, Eggs - grated parmesan </li><li>Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs - garlic </li><li>Frozen Foods - chopped spinach</li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Notes of the week:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">1. Be gentle when mixing ingredients in a fish dish.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">2. For the lasagna dish, we tried a frozen soy filled wheat ravioli which should give me tons of health food cred. The fact that I ate it and really didn't think twice about it is probably due to the amount of real mozarella cheese I used and the somewhat over powering amount of canned pasta sauce.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">3. It is very difficult for us to have pasta dishes straight for one week. There are tons of leftovers which I'm afraid will be tossed.</span></div>boston chaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990331497798553287noreply@blogger.com0